Haryana CM Confirms Push for UNESCO Heritage Tag for Rakhigarhi

December 26, 2025

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced on Friday that the central government has allocated ₹500 crore for the development of Raghigarhi. This historic site, an important center of the Harappan civilization, will be developed as part of efforts to secure inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is taking consistent and concrete steps to ensure Raghigarhi’s prominence on the national and international tourism map.

State-Level Raghigarhi Festival and Panchayat Demands

The Chief Minister made this announcement on the occasion of the second state-level Raghigarhi Festival, held at this ancient civilization site in Hisar district. During the event, he stated that the 13 demands of the Raghigarhi Panchayat and the 5 demands of the Rakhi Shahpur Panchayat would be forwarded to the concerned departments for prompt action.

The Chief Minister also announced a grant of ₹21 lakh for the villages of Raghigarhi and Rakhi Shahpur and inaugurated the Harappan Knowledge Center, which will facilitate research and raise awareness.

Raghigarhi: A Major Center of Ancient Civilization

Describing Raghigarhi’s unique identity as a historical heritage site, the Chief Minister said:

“This land is where thousands of years ago, one of the world’s oldest civilizations, the Harappan Civilization, flourished. Artifacts unearthed during excavations reveal that Raghigarhi was a major industrial and commercial center, with well-organized town planning, advanced sanitation systems, and excellent water management.”

He said that this site sends a message to the world about India’s scientific, rich, and deep-rooted heritage. Having the world’s most developed ancient urban civilization in Haryana is a matter of pride for the people of the state.

Development as an International Tourism and Research Center

The government is committed to developing Raghigarhi into a world-class archaeological, tourism, and research center. This includes:

A world-class archaeological museum

A dedicated research institute

Modern tourist facilities

Robust infrastructure

This initiative aims to provide visitors from India and abroad with a deeper understanding of ancient civilizations and an experience of Haryana’s cultural heritage.

The Chief Minister also said that the project will create employment opportunities for local youth and provide a significant boost to the regional economy.